At a press conference in Gulshan on Monday afternoon, BNP leader Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury spoke with the People’s Rights Council (Party). | Photo: Courtesy of BNP
Dhaka on July 15, 2024 –
BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has spoken out against accusations of being called a “Razakar” or “anti-liberation war force” whenever there are demands for rights and justice in Bangladesh.
He criticized this tactic as a way to suppress people’s voices and prevent the country from achieving its potential.
“When we ask for rights, we’re accused of plotting conspiracies or betraying the nation,” Amir Khasru said during a press briefing on Monday.
This technique violated rights for too long.
The younger generation wants transformation and rejects these wrong charges.
Following a meeting with the People’s Rights Council at the Gulshan office of the BNP Chairperson, Khasru made these statements.
Other BNP leaders, including Vice Chairman Barkatullah Bulu, also attended the discussion.
Criticizing Violence Against Students
Amir Khasru condemned recent attacks by the Chhatra League on student protesters opposing the government’s quota system.
“We saw students being beaten with sticks, even on the grounds of Dhaka University,” he said.
Not just Americans, but everyone is seeing this cruelty.
False charges against protestors as well as acts of violence of this kind are completely unacceptable.
He urged the government to address student concerns fairly, warning that oppression only worsens divisions.
This is all about the unelected dictatorship.
Khasru believes our government would have solved these issues more easily if it had been elected.
Deciding the Nation’s Future
Khasru questioned the direction in which Bangladesh is heading.
Should we seek a country dominated by competence and political party devotion, or one characterized by genius and success?
Do we desire an end to disagreements and crises or an increase in unity?
He continued, with confidence, that the time had arrived to make a decision.
He emphasized the importance of creating a nation that belongs to all citizens, not just one political group or faction.
Frustration Among Citizens
The press briefing followed a meeting between the BNP’s liaison committee and the People’s Rights Council.
Faruk Hasan, the Council’s member secretary, expressed deep concerns about the country’s condition.
According to him, growing expenses for basic needs, corruption, media control, and human rights abuses all contribute to popular dissatisfaction.
They want this dictatorial government gone from here.
Amir Khasru announced that the BNP will soon introduce new programs aimed at mobilizing the public through peaceful, democratic means.
He believed these programs would focus people and their situations.
Sovereignty Under Threat
Faruk Hasan also highlighted concerns about Bangladesh’s sovereignty, particularly due to agreements with India.
He said that our freedom is under threat as a result of these deals.
For example, we just learned that an Indian train would soon traverse Bangladesh.
Today’s conversation focused on how to approach this situation.
Looking Ahead
Amir Khasru emphasized that Bangladesh is currently experiencing a pivotal moment.
“The people have endured enough,” he said.
Instead of dividing ourselves and establishing a dictatorship, we should choose a future based on fairness and advancement.
As the political crisis deepens, the BNP and its allies plan to increase their efforts to restore democracy and amplify the voices of ordinary citizens.
Another meeting with the Democracy Forum is scheduled for Tuesday to further coordinate opposition strategies.